Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11 January 2017 Hoodies facing unfair fight on the coast Vulnerable beach-nesting Hooded Plovers are struggling for survival this breeding season with hundreds of footprints spotted near the nesting and dune areas in Point Roadknight in Anglesea. Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Environment and Education Manager Katie Dolling said this type of behaviour was causing great concern at the popular hoodie nesting area. “Dunes, in particular, are highly sensitive ecosystems that provide habitat protection for several native species, including the Hooded Plover, and are easily damaged by people accessing these areas,” Ms Dolling. In another incident, people have been disobeying signs and removing the brush matting from the dune blowouts, trampling the fragile ecosystem and walking through the Hooded Plover nesting zones. Ms Dolling explained that brush matting is an important conservation technique to help prevent erosion, especially in sandy dune ecosystems. “Students from Sandringham College spent several hours helping protect the Point Roadknight dunes less than a month ago, only to have their hard work destroyed, which is extremely disappointing,” said Ms Dolling. “It is unfortunate to see people walking through the dunes and nesting areas at Point Roadknight, despite clear signage and fences.” Hooded Plovers have one of the lowest survival rates from nest to adult of any species in the world with a 90-95% nest failure rate. Great Ocean Road Coast’s Conservation Supervisor Georgie Beale said it is essential residents and holidaymakers are aware of the local wildlife in the area. “Hooded Plover numbers are dwindling and it is important we as a community help protect this species. “Walking along the water’s edge is an easy way to help ensure we don’t accidently trample the highly camouflaged ‘hoodie’ eggs and help protect the local birds,” Ms Beale said. The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee runs a #SaveTheHoodie campaign each breeding season to help raise awareness of the vulnerable birds. The ‘Hoodies for Hoodies’ competition sponsored by Ghanda Clothing Torquay is on again. For more information visit www.savethehoodie.com.au. -ENDMedia enquiries: David Petty - 0437 557 960 Caring for the coast and community PO Box 53, Torquay, Vic 3228 Phone: 03 5220 5055 Fax: 03 5264 7763 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gorcc.com.au